The Rail Yard Dawgs announced on Thursday that Brody Claeys and Gehrett Sargis have both been invited to Roanoke’s training camp in early October.
Claeys played 14 games as a rookie in the SPHL during the 2019-2020 season for three different teams – Birmingham, Knoxville, and Fayetteville. The left-glove goaltender recorded a 4-5-0 in the nine games in which he recorded the win/loss, having his best success with Fayetteville. In five games for the Marksmen, Claeys allowed just 1.64 goals per game with a .946 save percentage. Prior to his rookie season, Claeys tended net for two seasons at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA-DI).
“Brody is a big body goalie that has played at a very high level in both junior and college hockey,” said Coach Bremner about Claeys. “His style of play and size will fit very well with the Dawgs’ defensive structure.”
Sargis might be a familiar name to Rail Yard Dawgs fans. The left-shot veteran is entering his eighth professional season, and has suited up in a combined 154 SPHL games for Pensacola and Knoxville over the course of his career, recording 35 goals and 33 assists. Sargis, a hybrid forward/defenseman, played for the Columbus River Dragons of the FPHL in the 2020-21 season. Sargis won the FPHL Ignite Championship with Columbus, alongside several fellow Rail Yard Dawgs – Mac Jansen, Matt O’Dea, and CJ Stubbs, as well as new assistant coach Vojtech Zemlicka.
“Sargis is a player I have been trying to get to Roanoke for years now,” said Coach Bremner when asked about Sargis. “He plays Dawgs hockey. He has a relentless work ethic, and a great skill set. With multiple years of experience in the SPHL, he knows what it means to compete at this level. I’m expecting him to bring that intensity to Roanoke every day.”
Roanoke hits the ice for its first home game in 601 days on Friday, October 15 at 7:05 P.M. against the Fayetteville Marksmen. Opening Night is sponsored by Haley Toyota of Roanoke. Season tickets, packages, group tickets, and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Dawgs’ front office at 540-266-7343.
Photo Courtesy: University of Alaska-Anchorage Athletics